The concept of internalized stigma is a well-researched phenomenon in psychology that refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs about one's own identity that are rooted in societal prejudices and discrimination. This can be especially true for individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, nonbinary, or asexual (LGBTQIA+), since they often face marginalization and discrimination based on their gender or sexual orientation.
Internalized stigma has been shown to have a significant impact on emotional processing, self-compassion, and coping behaviors.
Individuals with internalized stigma may experience heightened levels of shame, guilt, and self-blame when faced with adversity or conflict. They may also engage in self-criticism, avoidance, and self-silencing, which can further contribute to negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
One study found that LGBTQIA+ individuals with internalized stigma reported lower levels of self-compassion compared to those without internalized stigma. Self-compassion involves being kind and understanding towards oneself, recognizing one's own strengths and weaknesses, and accepting imperfections rather than judging them harshly. When an individual experiences internalized stigma, they may struggle to show compassion towards themselves due to feelings of unworthiness and inferiority.
Another study showed that individuals with internalized stigma tend to use more maladaptive coping strategies such as substance abuse, risk-taking behavior, and avoidance, while less likely to seek help from others. This is because they believe that they deserve the stigma and therefore don't feel deserving of support or help from others.
The effects of internalized stigma can be long-lasting and pervasive, affecting every aspect of an individual's life, including their relationships, career, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Therefore, it is important for both individuals and society to challenge and address internalized stigma by promoting positive messaging and creating a culture of acceptance and inclusion.
How does internalized stigma influence emotional processing, self-compassion, and coping behaviors?
Internalized stigma refers to negative attitudes that individuals have towards themselves because of their identities such as race, gender, sexual orientation, mental health status, disability, or other characteristics. This type of stigma can negatively impact one's emotional processing by causing them to feel shame, guilt, anxiety, and depression.